Richard Melson

September 2004

Israelization of Washington policy—Washington is now governed by Israel-fear and Ziono-pressure—is also increasingly matched by Israelization/self-Israelization at the state level.

A perfect example of this is Senator Zell Miller’s Georgia that is entwined in many ways with all things Israel.

Zell Miller—a Democrat and a Methodist—is a Conservative Democrat who gave the fiery pro-Bush speech at the Republican National Convention in early September 2004 in New York City.

Miller-Israel and Georgia-Israel interlinking and entwining will be clear from the following:

21st Century Robotics
Arris Corp.
Berry College
Centers for Disease Control
Children's Hospital Medical Center
Emory University
Eton Systems
Emory Medical School
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech Research Corp.
Hays Equipment Co.
LaRoche Industries Inc.
OFS Fitel, LLC
SITA Inf. Networking Comp. USA Inc.
Scientific Atlanta
University of Georgia
University of Georgia Research Center
USDA Russel Research Center
USDA Stored Product Insects R&D Lab

Gov. Zell Miller created the Georgia-Israel Exchange in 1992 to explore emerging technology in both industry and agriculture, enhance trade, encourage tourism and jointly participate in economic development programs. Georgia now has its own trade office in Israel.

Georgia is one of 22 states that have cooperative agreements with Israel. Gov. Zell Miller created the Georgia-Israel Exchange in 1992 to "explore emerging technology in both industry and agriculture, enhance trade, encourage tourism and jointly participate in economic development programs." In 1993, Gov. Miller visited Israel and stimulated new initiatives, including the opening of an Israeli trade mission in Atlanta.

In 2003, Georgia exports to Israel totaled $106.4 million.. Israel is now the State's 26th largest trade partner. Since 1991, the value of Georgia exports to Israel has reached almost $1.3 billion. The principal exports are transportation equipment and electrical equipment and components.In addition, Georgia companies received $126,321,324 in 2003 for U.S. government-funded military contracts with Israel through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program (U.S. military assistance to Israel).

Israel is certainly a place where potential business and trade partners can be found. It can also be a source, however, for innovative programs and ideas for addressing problems facing the citizens of Georgia.

Israel, for example, has developed a number of pioneering education programs. One, the Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), has been praised by President Clinton as "the best preschool program on earth" and replicated throughout the country, including Albany, Blackshear and Brunswick. A range of other exciting approaches to problems like unemployment, environmental protection and drug abuse have been successfully implemented in Israel and could be imported for the benefit of Americans.

The potential for greater cooperation with Israel for the benefit of Georgia is limited only by the imagination.

As the only country with free trade agreements with both the United States and the European community, Israel can act as a bridge for international trade between the United States and Europe. Moreover, because of the deep pool of talent, particularly in high­technology areas, Israel provides excellent investment opportunities. Some of the nation's largest companies, such as IBM, Microsoft, Motorola, Intel and National Semiconductor have found that it is indeed profitable to do business in Israel.

More than 100 Georgia companies have discovered the benefits of doing business in Israel, including BellSouth, Coca­Cola, Home Depot and Holiday Inn. Several now have operations based in Israel. In addition, Georgia companies received $126,321,324 in 2003 for U.S. government-funded military contracts with Israel through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program (U.S. military assistance to Israel).

Israelis have been drinking Coke for more than 25 years and it is the nation's leading soft drink. Carol Martel, who works in the European Community External Affairs branch of the company, said the independent bottler in Tel Aviv is one of the most high­tech associated with the company, having developed on­site advances in computerization.

The Holiday Inn name is a newer one in Israel, introduced in the last three years after Africa Israel Investments bought a license to convert the Jerusalem Hilton to a Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, converted a Tel Aviv property as well and opened hotels in Tiberias and Eilat. Africa Israel is planning rapid expansion of the chain throughout Israel, with new hotels slated to open in Eilat, the Dead Sea and Nazareth.

Levin subsequently moved to Atlanta-based U.S. Franchise Systems, which has a partnership with Isrotel to build a Hawthorne Suites Hotel in Tel Aviv across from the U.S. Embassy.

Ami Bental, President of Systematic Controls in Kennesaw, said he was looking to do business in Israel and found a kibbutz on the Golan Heights that was in the same field, so he worked out a partnership agreement to manufacture instrumentation and control systems for Israeli industry. "It has been an extremely successful relationship," Bental said. "Israel is a good place to do business." He is particularly excited about the prospects for exports from Israel if the peace process is successful. "Our product has a tremendous future in Arab states. The potential is unlimited."

BellSouth is part of a consortium that won the tender to operate the second cellular phone network in Israel. The consortium now provides digital phone service at the lowest price in the world to approximately 900,000 subscribers.

Sandy Springs­based Advance Building Supply opened the first Ace hardware store in Israel. Atlanta­based Home Depot has not gone that far yet, but it does import products from Israeli companies.

At least three industry specific exchanges between Israel and Georgia have been organized by the Atlanta­based American­Israel Chamber of Commerce to promote health care, telecommunications, and business with software incubators. In addition, 26 Israeli companies now have U.S. or regional headquarters in Georgia.

Israeli and Georgia companies can obtain funding for joint ventures from the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRD). The United States and Israel established BIRD in 1977 to fund joint U.S.­Israeli teams in the development and subsequent commercialization of innovative, nondefense technological products from which both the Israeli and U.S. company can expect to derive benefits commensurate with the investments and risks. BIRD funds projects in 33 states and the District of Columbia. Most grant recipients are small firms involved with software, instrumentation, communications, medical devices and semiconductors.

Since its inception, BIRD has funded more than 500 joint high­tech R&D projects. Products developed from these ventures have generated sales of more than $8 billion, tax revenues of more than $200 million in the United States alone and created an estimated 20,000 American jobs. Four Georgia companies have received BIRD grants.

The American­Israel Chamber of Commerce can provide additional information about BIRD and other business opportunities in Israel (404­874­6970).

Institutions in Georgia have shared with counterparts in Israel more than $1.1 million in grants awarded by the Binational Science Foundation (BSF) since 1987. BSF was established in 1972 to promote research cooperation between scientists from the United States and Israel. It has awarded more than 3,000 grants, involving scientists from nearly 400 institutions located in 44 states and the District of Columbia. The University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Emory are among the grant recipients.

Albert Padwa of Emory, for example, has been working for many years with a collaborator from Bar­Ilan University who shares his interest in alkaloid synthesis. The compounds they are working with can act as cancer inhibitors and have antibiotic properties; however, in their natural state they are toxic. Padwa is working at the theoretical level to maximize the beneficial effects and minimize the harmful ones. His colleague is the world's expert in the field and does most of the experimentation.

"We complement each other," Padwa said, "and have published several papers together." The BSF grant has also made it possible for the two scientists to visit each other.

BSF­sponsored studies benefit the United States by extending and elaborating research to achieve milestones that might not otherwise be reached; introducing novel thinking and techniques that led American researchers to move in new directions; confirming, clarifying and intensifying research projects; providing access to Israeli equipment and facilities unavailable elsewhere and early access to Israeli research results that sped American scientific advances.

BSF documented no less than 75 new discoveries that probably would not have been possible without foundation­supported collaboration. These advances included the development of new methods and techniques, the discovery of new phenomena and major theoretical breakthroughs.

A 1999 external economic review took an in depth look at 10 BSF projects. These 10 alone, produced aggregate benefits of $780 million, a figure four times the total expenditure of BARD since its inception (1978). The benefits accrue to the United States, to Israel and to both countries together.

The Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD) was created in 1978 with equal contributions by the United States and Israel. Since its inception, BARD has funded more than 800 projects in 45 states and the District of Columbia that have led to new technologies in drip irrigation, pesticides, fish farming, livestock, poultry, disease control and farm equipment. In 2001, 25 projects were funded at 28 U.S. institutions. BARD funds projects in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Georgia institutions have shared grants worth more than $2.8 million since 1987, with the University of Georgia receiving more than $2.6 million.

Edward Law, a biological and agricultural engineer at the University's Athens campus, has received two BARD grants. The first resulted in the development of an electrostatic sprayer system that is now used commercially. "The system makes more effective and efficient use of pesticides," Law said, "and can reduce the amount of toxic materials used for crop production." The system can be used in greenhouses and for nursery plants.

Law's second grant is for basic research into the role of electric forces in the transfer of pollen. The ultimate goal is to engineer a system to collect and reapply pollen at the most opportune time to improve crop production.

Law's partners in these projects were from Israel's Volcani Center. "The collaboration is broadening our base of knowledge," Law said. The relationship has worked well, he added, because his colleague's work compliments his own.

Another professor in Athens is working on alternative technologies to produce orange juice. Kevin Simpson explained that a "cloud" forms when orange juice is shaken. He and his collaborators hope that gaining an understanding of the enzyme that affects the cloud will obviate the need to use heat to produce orange juice. "I've learned a lot about citrus processing," Simpson said of the research, which will continue for at least two more years under the BARD grant. An earlier project involving Georgia researchers found chicken "fattiness" to be an inherited trait. They developed strategies for breeding leaner poultry. Georgia researchers also were involved in work that produced better guidelines for vaccines to prevent egg production losses caused by infection. Combined with other projects that developed computer programs to help farmers optimize feed use, BARD grantees have made it possible for Georgia poultry farmers to breed leaner, more nutritious chickens and produce them more profitably.

Georgia also benefits from research done elsewhere. For example, BARD grantees developed a computer model that predicts whether peach trees will have sufficient winter chill to permit normal bloom in the Spring, or whether growers should spray them with special growth control chemicals. Another model predicts bloom times. "By giving advance warning of possible frost damage," a BARD report notes, "the program helps farmers mobilize in time to prevent significant losses." Another computer model helps cotton farmers develop optimal irrigation and fertilization strategies.

A team of agricultural economists from the Universities of California and Maryland found that the economic benefits of just five projects - related to cotton, pecans and solarization - exceeded all U.S. investment in BARD. Overall, BARD­sponsored research has generated sales of more tan $500 million, tax revenues of more than $100 million and created more than 5,000 American jobs.

City of Atlanta City of Yehud

Atlanta Yokneam-Meggido

Hillel Campus Profiles

State Contacts

AIPAC
2839 Paces Ferry Rd., #1255
Atlanta, GA 30339
Tel. 404-333-8626
Fax. 404-333-8630
Email.

American-Israeli Chamber of Commerce-SE Region
1100 Spring St., #410
Atlanta, GA 30309
Tel. 404-874-6970
Fax. 404-874-7277
Email. aiccse@mindspring.com
Web. http://www.aiccse.org

Atlanta Jewish Federation
1440 Spring St., NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Tel. 404-870-1635
Fax. 404-874-7043
Email.

Lynn Douek, Associate Director
Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism
c/o Atid EDI Ltd
Bldg. 2, Har Hotzvim, P.O. Box 45005
Jerusalem
Israel 91450
Tel. 2­571­0199
Fax. 2­571­0713
Email. atidedi@netvision.net.il
URL: www.atid-edi.com/georgia.htm

Fred Roberts Crawford Witness to the Holocaust Project
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322
Tel. 404-329-6428
Fax.
Email.

Israeli Consulate
1100 Spring St., N.W., #440
Atlanta, GA 30309-2823
Tel. 404-875-7851
Fax. 404-874-5364
Email.

JCRC, Jewish Federation
1753 Peachtree Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30309
Tel. 404-873-1661
Fax. 404-874-7043
Email.

Jewish Federation of Augusta
P.O. Box 15443
Augusta, GA 30919
Tel. 706-737-8001
Fax.
Email.

Jewish Federation of Columbus
P.O. Box 6313
Columbus, GA 31907
Tel. 706-568-6668
Fax.
Email.

Jewish Federation of Savannah
P.O. Box 23527
Savannah, GA 31403
Tel. 912-355-8111
Fax.
Email.

Zachor Holocaust Center
1753 Peachtree Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Tel. 404-873-1661
Fax. 404-874-7043
Email.

Name: Zell Bryan Miller
Born: Feb. 24, 1932, in Young Harris, GA
Home: Young Harris, GA; lives in the home in which
he grew up
Education: Young Harris Junior College (1951); Bachelor's and Master's degrees in history, University of Georgia (AB 1957, MA 1958)

Military Service: United States Marine Corps, 1953-56 (Parris Island, SC, Great Lakes, IL, and Camp Lejeune, NC); Sergeant; Rifle Expert
Family: Married to Shirley Carver Miller since Jan. 15, 1954; two sons: Murphy Carver Miller, born June 25, 1955; Matthew Stephen Miller, born Aug. 13, 1956; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren
Religion: Methodist
Party Affiliation: Democrat
1959-64: Professor of political science and history, University of Georgia, Young Harris College
1959-60: Mayor, Young Harris, GA
1961-64: State Senator, GA, two terms
1964: Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. House, 9th District
1966: Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. House, 9th District
1965-1975: Served in several positions in state government and in Georgia Democratic Party
1975-1991: Lieutenant Governor, GA, four terms
1980: Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate
1991-1999: Governor, GA, two terms
1999-2000: Taught history/political science at Emory University, University of Georgia, Young Harris College; served on various corporate boards
July 2000: Appointed to U.S. Senate after the death of Senator Paul Coverdell, R-GA
November 2000: Won a special election with 58 percent of the vote against six candidates for the right to serve the remaining four years of Senator Coverdell's term
He serves on the following Senate Committees:

• Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
• Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
• Veterans' Affairs

A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat, 2003, Stroud and Hall Publishers
Corps Values: Everything You Need to Know I Learned in the Marines, 1997, Long Street Press, Bantam
They Heard Georgia Singing, 1985, (updated version published 1996), Mercer University Press
Great Georgians, 1983, Advocate Press
The Mountains Within Me, 1975, Cherokee Pub. Co.